Grade 5 is a wonderfully exciting year between elementary grades and middle school years. At Saint Joseph School the students transfer to a different classroom in   two subject areas but still maintain a close homeroom contact.   Fifth grade is truly a transition year that bridges many significant gaps. Our goal is to make the jump as smooth and productive as possible, by modeling and encouraging the acquisition of effective study skills and habits. As part of our integrated curriculum, we enjoy complementing our study of American History with primary source evaluations, literature, and field trips.   Our Math program incorporates traditional skill work as well as hands-on approach to using manipulatives. Similar to the Math Program, the Science Program includes hands on exploration. We cover such topics as plant structure, plant and animal diversity, and ecosystems.

In an effort to welcome and acclimate our kindergarten students to Saint Joseph School, we have implemented a kindergarten buddy system.   Each fifth grade student is paired up with a kindergarten student.   When the school attends mass, fifth grade accompanies kindergarten.   The fifth grade students are responsible for helping and educating the kindergarten students during mass.   The fifth grade student helps the kindergarten student understand the proper behavior during mass and   answers any questions the kindergarten student might have.   Throughout the year, activities are   scheduled between   fifth grade and kindergarten.  

Religion: In grade 5, the following areas of Religious study   are emphasized and taught: Liturgy, Sacraments, Seasons of the Church and Catholic Prayers. We focus on the seven Sacraments and each person's role within the Catholic community.   Students investigate the ways they are called to be witnesses to the Catholic faith.

Language Arts: The Language Arts Program in grade 5 covers the areas   of English, Reading, Spelling, and Writing.   English provides a strong basis in the mechanics of the language, and we investigate the different   purposes, voices, and styles of writing.   Reading explores different genres and elements of literature, focusing also on vocabulary, comprehension, strategies for reading, context clues, analogies, critical thinking, , co-operative analysis, and following directions.  

Mathematics: In order to better prepare the students for the rigors of a Middle School Math Program, our 5th grade Math program is quite challenging. Areas of study include exposure and mastery in the following areas:

• Whole numbers and decimals: adding and subtracting, place value

• Data and Graphs

• Multiplying whole numbers and decimals

• Dividing whole numbers and decimals, one and two digit divisors

• Geometry – angles and polygons

• Fractions and mixed numbers

• Fraction operations and linear measurement

• Fractions and multiplication

• Length, perimeters and area

• Measurement, solids, shapes, weight, mass, temperature, volume and capacity

• Ratio, percent and probability

Social Studies: The overall emphasis in 5th grade Social Studies is on the History of the United States, with extensive focus on exploration of the American Colonies,   American Revolution, Constitution, The Civil War and the Rise of Modern America.   The text book is enriched by inquisitive classroom discussions and evaluations of primary source replicas.   Students are encouraged to investigate the reasons behind   historical movements and events.   Investigative projects are also incorporated into the curriculum.  

Science: Through hands-on activities, experimentation and lecture discussions, the following areas are addressed in grade 5:

Life Science         plant processes, reproduction and classification, characteristics and classifications of all living things, interaction of living/non living components within ecosystems.

Physical Science   States of matter, classify and describe matter in terms of elements, compounds, mixtures and atoms.

Populations & Ecosystems     living things and environments, energy and matter in ecosystems. Carbon cycle; oxygen cycle and water cycle.

Earth and   Space       Study eclipses, asteroids, meteors, comets and characteristics of the sun.